Square Peg Round Hole: A Study of Non Governmental Organisations’ Participation in the Antarctic Treaty System

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Date

Permanent Link

Thesis Discipline

Science

Degree Grantor

University of Canterbury

Degree Level

Postgraduate Certificate

Degree Name

Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies

Involvement of both national and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the Antarctic occurred even before there was a formal management regime for this vast region of the south. Their calls for peace and a co-operative approach came amongst claims for sovereignty. In 1958/59 the International Geophysical Year saw a major change in direction for the governance of the continent which led to an agreement, by 12 nations, on the Antarctic Treaty and the consequent development of a unique legal system. Since then, involvement in this system has been primarily limited to nations, with interested organisations at times struggling to have an effective voice. This paper examines the involvement of Non-Governmental Organisations in the govemance of Antarctica, the positive contributions they have made and the problems that have arisen. A new "Advisor" status is recommended to provide a mechanism by which Non Governmental Organisations can be more involved in the Antarctic Treaty System. In addition, governments are encouraged to include national Non-Governmental Organisations in their national Policy formation and delegation processes. This would ensure a more robust regime based on trust and a common interest in the stewardship of this remarkable region. Involvement of both national and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in
the Antarctic occurred even before there was a formal management regime for this vast
region of the south. Their calls for peace and a co-operative approach came amongst claims
for sovereignty. In 1958/59 the International Geophysical Year saw a major change in
direction for the governance of the continent which led to an agreement, by 12 nations, on the
Antarctic Treaty and the consequent development of a unique legal system.
Since then, involvement in this system has been primarily limited to nations, with interested
organisations at times struggling to have an effective voice. This paper examines the
involvement of Non-Governmental Organisations in the govemance of Antarctica, the positive
contributions they have made and the problems that have arisen. A new "Advisor" status is
recommended to provide a mechanism by which Non Governmental Organisations can be
more involved in the Antarctic Treaty System. In addition, governments are encouraged to
include national Non-Governmental Organisations in their national Policy formation and
delegation processes. This would ensure a more robust regime based on trust and a common
interest in the stewardship of this remarkable region.